In a recent meeting we received a commitment from the Carrier that steps will be taken to standardize its regulation of extra boards in an attempt to bring some stability to this process. While Crew Consist Agreements give the Carrier the right to regulate guaranteed extra boards, the Carrier has recognized that constantly increasing and decreasing extra boards based solely on guarantee payments just doesn’t work. Beginning in February, extra boards should generally be regulated twice per month as a matter of policy. The Carrier will also attempt to design formulas that can be used to determine the number of employees needed on extra boards. Such formulas will take into account all known vacancies such as vacations and pre-approved layoffs, will utilize historical data as to hours of service relief, extra jobs, etc., and will consult future operating plans to predict special circumstances that might increase manpower needs, in order to better anticipate vacancies for the adjustment period. The Carrier has also committed to improving operating consistency and the accuracy of lineup and vacancy information, and increasing the accountability of crew management to the operating department. We have scheduled additional meetings to discuss other matters relative to manpower management and availability, and we will keep you informed of any progress in those meetings.